Autism and ADHD - Right to Choose Pathway
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Understanding the Autism and ADHD Right to Choose Pathway
If your child is waiting for an Autism or ADHD assessment, you may be able to use the Right to Choose pathway to access services more quickly. This legal right allows you to choose an NHS-approved provider for assessment and diagnosis, giving families more control over their care journey.
What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is part of the NHS patient choice framework. It means that if your GP agrees an Autism or ADHD assessment is needed, you can ask to be referred to a provider of your choice - as long as they hold an NHS contract.
This can include virtual providers offering online assessments, which may reduce waiting times compared to local services.
How does it work?
- Speak to your GP and request a referral under the Right to Choose pathway.
- Choose a provider from the list of verified services (available on the Black Country ICB website).
- Your GP sends the referral directly - no need for funding approval or special requests.
Important: You cannot self-refer. The referral must come from your GP.
What should you know before choosing a provider?
Some providers only offer assessment and diagnosis, not ongoing treatment.
Others may start medication but ask your GP to take over prescribing. This is called a shared care agreement, and your GP can decline if they feel it’s not appropriate.
Not all providers are connected to local services, so future support may require new referrals.
Tips for parents and carers
- Ask questions: Make sure you understand what the provider offers: assessment, diagnosis, medication, or post-diagnostic support.
- Check NHS contracts: Only providers with NHS contracts qualify under Right to Choose.
- Talk to your GP: They will help guide the referral process and discuss what’s best for your child.
Where to find more information
Visit the official Black Country ICB page for a full list of verified providers and guidance.